We lived in Graceville, Florida, while I was attending Florida Baptist Theological College (now the Baptist University of Florida). Graceville is a predominantly farming community that boasts a Baptist college. After moving into our apartment and settling in, we started looking for a church home. Since I was a college student in a small town with a Baptist college, I figured finding a church to belong to would be easy. I was wrong. We visited four or five different churches. We were new somewhere every Sunday. It was tiring and sometimes frustrating. We finally joined Holmes Creek Baptist Church in Chipley and enjoyed our time there.

I think back to that time in our family’s life and am thankful. I am grateful we found a church home to serve in and grow as a young family. I also appreciate what I learned during that search process. If you have ever been through the process of finding a church to call home, you know how tiring and stressful it can be. As a pastor, I am sympathetic to those seeking a church home. I understand their plight. When I see guests at church declare on a communication card they are actively seeking a church home, I know what they are going through.

Think about the process for a minute. You wake up on Sunday morning, get your family dressed, and get ready to attend a worship service at an unfamiliar church. You may have found a campus map on their website. Perhaps not. There may be signs directing you where to find restrooms, the nursery, and the information desk. Maybe not. Likely, you won’t know anyone. Introductions are made, and you tell the story of what brought you to the community. You answer questions about your family, job, and past churches. You feel like you’re in a Senate confirmation hearing.

Once the service begins, you are officially welcomed from the pulpit. Something is likely said about first-time guests. Hopefully, you will not be asked to stand awkwardly so everyone can ensure you know you’re the new person. You’re likely told what’s happening at the church through some announcement system, likely a printed bulletin. You quickly discern what is important to this church and whether you will fit in. During the worship service and sermon, you ask the Lord for a sense of peace about whether you should return. As you leave, you likely meet new people who may ask you the same questions you were asked about an hour or so ago. You leave thinking one of two things: “That wasn’t so bad” or “Thank God that’s over.” As you drive home or during lunch somewhere, several critical questions run through your mind.

1.  Is this the place the Lord would have me, or is this the place I want to be?
2. Does this church share my biblical beliefs and theological convictions?
3. Can the spiritual walk of my family be deepened by attending here?
4. Will this church provide me with the opportunity to utilize my spiritual gifts?
5. Can I positively impact this church to fulfill its mission and purpose?

Stress enters when the above process is repeated multiple times in multiple churches. It can be very tiring being “new” in church every week. Investing time and energy, doing homework, and seeing no immediate result can be tiring. For these reasons, searching for a church home can be one of the most challenging and critical jobs a believer will do.

For many, this process is foreign because they have never had to work this process. Some people have been members of the same church their entire lives. As our society changes and becomes more transient, this process or something similar will become common. Pray for those who are looking for a church home. As members of the body of Christ, we are responsible for making this process a little easier for them. Be intentional in making this process a little less daunting and stressful for those families looking to connect.

Most people have favorites: foods, colors, songs, books, authors, movies, coffee shops, etc. Having a “favorite” anything means you have experienced similar other things and have decided a certain one means more to you than all the rest. I am no different. I have favorite songs, authors, books, coffee shops, movies, and foods. It would be difficult to say I have a favorite Bible verse. I do, however, have what I would refer to as a life verse. This verse speaks to where I am on my spiritual journey. This verse provides a sense of motivation, clarity, and purpose. It sets the course for my days. The prophet Jeremiah wrote:

“And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” (Jeremiah 29:7) 

The context for this verse is a letter Jeremiah wrote to the Israelites who had been taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar and relocated to Babylon. Jeremiah encourages them to make Babylon their home, go about their daily activities, and seek to be a blessing to their captives. It was a difficult charge indeed. It would be difficult to consider being a blessing to those who robbed you of your home. It would be difficult to consider being a blessing to a nation to whom you were enslaved. It would be difficult to consider being a blessing to the people who removed you from your familiar place of worship and introduced you to foreign gods.

I can relate to this verse. It says something about the way I approach life. I do not equate pastoring a church to being carried away as a captive to a foreign land. Quite the opposite. Serving the Lord through the gospel ministry brings my life great fulfillment, joy, and pleasure. I would not want to be doing anything else with my life. However, I can relate to how the exiled Israelites must have felt. I understand what moving away from the familiar and comfortable is like. I know what it is like to leave family and friends. I know what it is like not to have assurance of how long I stay in the same place. I understand what it is like to become familiar with new routines, schedules, and people.

Jeremiah told Israel the surest way for their city to prosper would be for them to pray for its peace and welfare. God Himself placed Israel in Babylon for a season and with a purpose. It may not have always been peaceful for them as captives. Trusting God’s placement would enable them to find and live in peace. For a city to experience God’s blessings, the people of God occupying the city must, through prayer, seek its welfare and peace (literally its wellness and wholeness).

I believe with all my heart that God has placed me where He has for a reason and a season. I trust He has done the same in the past. It is my duty, privilege, and responsibility to pray for the peace of the city where I am, to the best of my ability, to be a blessing to this city. I have committed my life to this end. This verse is more than just an obscure Old Testament verse. It fuels me to faithfully serve the cities and people God has allowed me to be carried away captive for Him.

We are often reminded in God’s Word of our call to care for and serve others in the name of Jesus Christ – to consider others more than ourselves. At First Baptist Church, community ministry remains a priority, and our people demonstrate compassion and generosity. I challenged our people to invest more heavily in current ministries and take on new challenges – I was not disappointed. Through their commitment, our community has benefited from their love, care, and concern. Our plate was full in 2024. We were able to minister to our community in meaningful ways. From serving our local school to helping families stay in their homes, we put others first. From serving as a warming shelter for people experiencing homelessness to assisting our community recover from two devastating hurricanes, we put others first. From giving and going to meet the needs of those in Guatemala to helping ensure children in our community had basic school supplies as they went back to school, we put others first. We have used opportunities like these and others to foster relationships and build bridges for gospel conversations. After a fruitful and, at times, chaotic year, a few observations.

First, it can never be about us. You must be willing to be taken advantage of to effectively reach your community for Christ. I have often shared with our people, and in community ministry conferences I’ve led, that we must never serve our community from the starting point of compensation. Many find this troubling. Some believe every person we help through community ministry should be in a pew the following Sunday. That would be nice. We would love the opportunity to have further conversations, follow-ups, and connections. The hard truth is that most of the people we serve in our community will not attend First Baptist Church for various reasons. If our service and love are taken advantage of, that is beyond our control. Has our service and giving been taken advantage of throughout this year’s ministry opportunities? I know it has. Throughout this year’s ministry opportunities, have we suffered offense through the actions and responses of those we were helping? Absolutely. I have learned that we are only responsible for “why” we do ministry. It’s about the one who, through our serving (backpack giveaways, Family Fun Days, etc.), hears the truth of the gospel and takes their next step toward Christ. If we give and serve with the sole motive of obedience to Christ and being a blessing to our community, we have nothing to worry about. The possibility of being taken advantage of is real, but it should not stop us from service.

Second, there is tremendous value in planning. The adage is true, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Our missions and ministries leaders understand planning and preparedness. This past year, I have sat with ministry leaders and our missions team for countless hours, ensuring details were covered in our missions work. Some ministry opportunities require very little planning. Others require a great deal. It is counterproductive to arrive at a ministry site and not have the food, supplies, and volunteers needed to serve. While we understand the need for flexibility in ministry, that does not negate the need for prior planning. Being prepared shows the community you care. Being prepared demonstrates to the recipients of your ministry they were thought of in advance. We were busy with meaningful mission work this past year, and I expect nothing less this coming year. I have learned that we would have been less effective without proper planning.

Lastly, we are better together. 2024 was a year of partnerships. As Southern Baptists, working together is a familiar concept. We can do more together than we can do alone. We partnered with our county emergency management department to provide service as a cold weather station to our homeless/at-risk population. We continued a partnership with our local elementary school to provide mentors for children and encouragement for staff. We partnered with our local service agencies and school district to offer a family-friendly back-to-school event. For the first time, our local Baptist association came together for a partnership event, Serve Taylor. This day saw churches from across our association serving their local area through various ministries and outreaches. Tragedy opened the door for deepening existing partnerships. Hurricanes Debby and Helene devastated our county in August and September. The latter caused catastrophic loss to our coastal communities. Coupled with the lingering effects of Hurricane Idalia at the same time last year, our region was suffering. Without hesitation and almost overnight, Florida Baptist Disaster Relief Ministries was here to serve in helping our region recover. We were privileged to partner with them and served twice as a command site for clean-up and recovery operations. Our Florida Baptist Convention has been a crucial and faithful partner in our work this year. There is no possible way we could have accomplished any of this on our own. We need others to fulfill our purpose and vision in our community. We desire to come alongside others to help them achieve theirs as well. I look forward to what 2025 holds for First Baptist Church.

“Going the second mile” is a common phrase in our language whose roots extend to first-century Palestine. The Romans had conquered much of the known world. One of the many marvels of their conquest was the vast system of highways constructed to connect Rome to their conquered territories. At its zenith, the Roman Empire maintained over 50,000 miles of roads. At every mile was a stone marker known as a guide stone. These stones declared direction and determined distance. Each was etched with the number of miles to Rome, hence the phrase, “All roads lead to Rome.”

The Romans placed a specific burden upon the residents of the lands they occupied. A Roman soldier could compel any male to carry his rucksack or burden for a mile with no option for refusal. As you would imagine, this practice caused terrible resentment among the Jews of Jesus’ day toward the Roman government. One of the many things I appreciate about the earthly teachings of Jesus is His use of local customs, traditions, and practices to make spiritual applications. This teaching style often shocked His listeners, but it allowed His point to hit home. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 examines such a teaching and response.

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”

Can you imagine how the Jews felt when Jesus said, “Go the second mile?” No doubt, His audience thought of the Roman practice of burden-bearing. I would imagine someone in His audience said, “Seriously?” In their minds, I’m sure they wondered why they should go farther than the Law required them to go. Jesus was calling them to second-mile living. Christianity is a second-mile faith, and Christians are called second-mile living. Jesus explained what this type of life looked like:

• To love your neighbor is the first mile – to love your enemy is the second mile.
• To bless those who bless you is the first mile – to bless those who curse you is the second mile.
• To do good to those who do good to you is the first mile – to do good to those who hate you is the second mile.
• Praying for those who pray for you is the first mile – praying for those who would use you is the second mile.

The first mile is what’s expected of us; it’s simply discharging our Christ-given duty and our reasonable service. The second mile, however, is more. It’s above and beyond the expectation. This is where the difference between Christianity and other religions becomes apparent. It’s the ‘extra’ that causes others to say, ‘Wait a minute, they don’t have to do this.’ If Christians would practice second-mile living at our jobs, at school, and at home, our bosses, teachers, friends, and family members would take notice and ask questions. This may lead to gospel conversations, but more importantly, it can have a profound impact on those around us. The first mile is congested, but the second mile is not well-traveled. The first mile is gridlock, but the second mile is almost deserted. How do you want to be known?

Within every profession, service industry, and organization, secret languages are understood only by its patrons. For example, walk into a Starbucks and listen to the customers order their favorite drink. You are likely to hear a combination of words and phrases that would lead you to believe aliens had landed from the far side of the moon. My usual Starbucks order sounds like this, “I’ll have a venti bold with no room.” I am saying to the barista: “I will have your largest and strongest coffee; by the way, I do not need room for cream.” Businesses have created environments that require consumers to learn a language specific to the product they wish to consume. This may or may not be intentional. What’s being communicated is this: “If you want to be part of our group, you need to learn our language.” Sound unfair? Before you answer, think about the church.

Before we blame businesses for requiring us to learn a foreign language, let’s look at how the Christian church is, at times, guilty of the same practice. Most agree that Christians have a specific vocabulary and vernacular that we are comfortable with. We use phrases and words that may leave the first-time guest in our services scratching their head and asking, “What are they talking about?” We use words such as advent, apostle, disciple, rapture, righteous, sanctification, elect, trinity, covenant, redemption, and salvation, much like we would car, home, cheeseburger, chair, or grass. Phrases such as “washed in the blood,” “give your heart to Jesus,” “profession of faith,” and “walk down the aisle” roll off our church-influenced tongues the same as “turn off the light,” “answer the phone,” and “wash the car.” Think of the questions that must run through the mind of the person who has never been in church before: “Is that going to hurt?” “You’re asking me to do what?” “Is that legal?” I may exaggerate, but you understand my point.

As a pastor, I believe the church is responsible for removing barriers that keep individuals with no personal relationship with Jesus Christ from coming to know Him. Barriers such as personal preferences, fear, and past hurt are hard enough to overcome without imposing a new language for which Rosetta Stone still needs to write software. I am becoming increasingly aware that the guests in our worship services sometimes have no idea what we are talking about. What should we do? First, it is essential to acknowledge we are guilty of speaking “church.” Second, every ministry leader should ask this question when communicating: “Can a person who has never been in church before clearly understand the words I have written and spoken?” We owe it to the first-time guest, the seeker, and the believer desiring to serve the Lord our commitment to remove the barriers that would hinder them – including our church language.

Although being alone is not the preferred choice of many, there are times when it is an absolute necessity. We live in a fast-paced world. Often, our jobs require us to spend much time on the phone, attending meetings, sitting in front of a computer, and traveling. Often, our family responsibilities require us to attend school functions and sporting events and spend many hours helping with homework. Getting so wrapped up in our church responsibilities is even possible that we miss the One we’re serving. It is tough to hear from God during all this activity. We must intentionally carve time out of our schedules and get alone with the Creator of the universe. Significant things happen when we get alone with God. We find this modeled for us in Scripture.

There is a common fear shared by many today. That fear – being alone. We are social creatures. We desire, if not crave, interaction with others. This fear is why social media is dominant in our world today. No one wants to feel as if they are without the support, love, and the companionship of others. I can remember times in my life when I felt all alone. Growing up, we moved around frequently. Before the seventh grade, I had attended 13 different schools. I was always the new kid in class. My earliest memory of being alone was standing in front of a classroom full of students who had known each other for years, as the teacher had me stand at the front of the class. I remember hearing that very familiar statement, “Class, I would like to introduce you to our new student.” All alone.

In Exodus 1, alone with God, the Hebrew midwives risked their lives by listening to God’s command to spare all male children, one of whom was Moses.

In Lamentations, Jeremiah, alone with God, pleaded for the salvation of an entire nation.

In Nehemiah 1, alone with God, the burden of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was born in Nehemiah’s heart.

In Daniel 2, alone with God, the meaning of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was revealed.

Alone with God in prison, Paul wrote his letters to the churches at Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae, encouraging them to hold fast to Jesus Christ despite all opposition.

 In the Garden of Gethsemane, alone with God, Jesus prayed the cup of suffering would pass if it were the Father’s will. It was not. Jesus went to the cross and died for the sins of man.

In Revelation, alone with God on the island of Patmos, John received a vivid and terrifying vision from Christ Himself detailing the execution of God’s judgment.

Being alone with God is an individual choice. It is a passion we choose to pursue. It is in the alone times we experience true intimacy with God. Alone with God, we lift our petitions to Him with a certainty that He will hear. Alone with God, we see His Word come alive in our careful and determined study. Alone with God, He reveals the plans and purposes for us as He speaks to our hearts. Alone with God, we feel the conviction of the sin that has grieved His heart. Alone with God, we feel the calm assurance that He has control of the inside regardless of outside conditions. Alone with God, our spirits are refreshed and encouraged. I can’t think of a better place for the child of God to be.

FBC family,

I want to address a serious matter within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). 

The 2021 SBC Annual Meeting in Nashville called for the creation of an independent task force to examine allegations of sexual abuse reports within SBC churches. As a result, a 288-page report was released on May 22nd. You can review this report for yourself at sataskforce.net. 

To ensure transparency in this process, the trustees of the Executive Committee, after some hesitation and multiple votes, finally waived attorney-client privilege and fully funded the investigation conducted by Guidepost Solutions. As a result, this report addresses the handling of sexual abuse cases between 2000-2021 within the SBC and the involvement of the Executive Committee. The SBC website defines the Executive Committee as follows:

“The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention is comprised of 86 representatives chosen from qualified states and regions and acts on behalf of the Convention between sessions. Although the Executive Committee does not control or direct the activities of Convention agencies, it reviews their financial statements and recommends the Convention’s annual operating budget. In addition, it receives and distributes the monies Southern Baptists give in support of denominational ministries, acts as the recipient and trust agency for all Convention properties, and provides public relations and news services.”

SBC website – http://www.sbc.net

The report reveals allegations of sexual abuse, consistent concealment of abuse, mistreatment of victims, instances of intimidation of victims, witnesses, and advocates, and resistance and opposition to sexual abuse reform initiatives. The level of corruption, concealment, and sinful, evil, and abusive actions of a small but influential group of people associated with the Executive Committee and the SBC, in general, is shocking and repulsive. 

I have read Guidepost’s report in its entirety. It is difficult and painful to read, for it reveals that survivors of sexual abuse were hurt and unloved. To add insult to their injury, the pain endured by the abuse survivors was worsened by our leadership. Victims were ignored or dismissed to avoid legal risk to the Convention or internal conflict. In at least one of the many documented cases, an accuser’s words were changed, sexual assault was then referred to as an affair, and the abuser was said to have been guilty of an adulterous relationship. In another case, a former Executive Committee Vice President called the movement to address sexual abuse in the SBC “a satanic scheme to completely distract us from evangelism.” Still, another case documents an Executive Committee Chairman helping a pastor who was a college friend accused of an inappropriate relationship with a single mother he was counseling. The chairman helped the pastor draft an apology letter to the congregation. When contacted to share their feelings of intimidation during the church’s investigative process, one witness was told by the chairman’s assistant that he (EC Chairman) planned to help the pastor, not the church. Serious wrongs have been perpetrated against abuse survivors. These wrongs should drive every Southern Baptist church to grieve and seek reform and transparency from its leadership. 

I have met with our deacons and shared the contents of this report, as well as my thoughts and feelings. Together we offer the following statements:

1. We believe a spirit of repentance needs to fall upon our SBC, and we commit to pray for such a spirit. 
2. We commit to pray for and act on behalf of sexual abuse survivors. 
3. We defend the right of an abuse survivor to have their story told without the threat of reprisal, intimidation, embarrassment, or concealment. 
4. We believe a lack of transparency from our leadership has led to the present crisis. Transparency is non-negotiable. 
5. We commit to putting policies and practices in place to allow abuse survivors to tell their stories and prevent instances of sexual abuse in the future. 

The Southern Baptist Convention will meet for its Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California, June 14th-15th, 2022. This report is sure to be the on the hearts and minds of all the messengers attending. The Executive Committee is promising change, and recommendations are already being discussed. We should all pray for the Lord to move on the hearts of our leadership with a spirit of repentance and revival. We should pray for a renewed commitment to and focus on gospel advancement. So, for now, we move forward. Our agencies for missionary sending and mobilization (NAMB and IMB) are top-notch. Our seminaries that are training our future church leaders are excellent. We have a strong, local connection to our state convention. 

In closing, we must not allow a few power-hungry, self-serving, and misguided people to determine the direction of the SBC. We are better than this. I believe the leadership of the SBC is filled with people who love Jesus Christ. We should be careful not to condemn the entire Executive Committee of the SBC as being culpable in the small group’s actions outlined in the Guidepost’s report over the past twenty years. On the contrary, the Executive Committee is working under challenging circumstances and scrutiny to get things right and do right by abuse survivors. They deserve our prayers and support.

You should know that more stories will likely come out over the next few months. Unfortunately, things may get worse before they get better. Some will take this opportunity to attack, smear, and mischaracterize the church and the work of the gospel. Some of you may be wondering how this could have happened. Some may wonder how they can remain Southern Baptists in light of these shocking revelations. If you have questions about anything you read or see in the news, please reach out to me, and I’ll be happy to sit down with you and answer your questions. 

A hotline has been established for those who need to report sexual abuse within Southern Baptist churches. Guidepost, the authors of the report mentioned above, operates this hotline, and all information is kept in confidence. The hotline number is 202-864-5578. If you are the victim of sexual abuse and are able, don’t hesitate to contact the law enforcement agency in your area. 

We will communicate to the church on this issue as we know more. 

Dr. Steven Ruff, Senior Pastor – FBC Perry

Today is the day – the first day of a brand-new year. It is a day many people anticipate. Some view today as the best day for watching college football (I am one of those). Some view today as simply a day off from work. Others view today as a chance for a new beginning. Those who view New Year’s Day as a new beginning will make resolutions to change old habits or start afresh. I don’t make resolutions. However, I believe in making commitments based on an honest evaluation of the past. With my family at the top of this list, I would like to share my commitments this year.

I plan to read smarter, so I may write better. If you are at least an occasional reader of my blog, you know I enjoy reading and writing. My plan this year is to focus and confine my reading to the areas of ministry and leadership. In 2022, I will choose quality over quantity. This smarter reading will sharpen my focus and contribute to more beneficial writing here.

I plan to say “no” to what pulls me away from my pastoral duties. I tend to say “yes” too often. As a result, I have found myself stretched thin and overloaded. I have been the pastor of First Baptist Church of Perry for almost four and half years. It is a great deal of work. The church I pastor deserves and needs my attention. Great things are ahead for the people of First Baptist in 2022. I cannot afford to be distracted.

I plan to be more focused on my preaching and teaching. Having looked back at my preaching and teaching this past year, I realize that, at times, it was scattered. My prayer is for the Lord to make me increasingly aware of the needs of my congregation, as well as the struggles and issues plaguing our city, state, and nation, and speak to them biblically and strategically. This focus will involve dedicated time away from my pastoral duties for sermon planning, vision development, and long-range planning. I cannot say how thankful I am that First Baptist Perry allows me two weeks a year for this study leave. 

I plan to spend more time with my pastoral staff this year. Today is the first New Year’s Day since my arrival at First Baptist in 2017 that we are not searching for a staff member. I am privileged to lead the largest pastoral team in my 23 years of gospel ministry. I desire to encourage and strengthen them in their areas of ministry, moving away from “I’m here if you need me” and toward “Let’s do ministry together.”

I plan to begin my book this year. For years, I have flirted with the idea of writing a book. Over the past five years, I have completed two large bodies of work. The first is a verse-by-verse exposition of the book of Ephesians, a requirement for my Doctor of Ministry degree. The second is a three-hour training conference outlining the principles of community ministry and engagement. Either of these could serve as the framework for my first book.

Why share these commitments publicly? Accountability. I hope throughout 2022, those who read my blog will ask me, “How are you doing in these areas?” What commitments have you made?